Elements and Performance Criteria

Technical variables, milliamperage, kilovoltage and tube length are pre-determined by manufacturer's specifications for radiographic unit or selected by the dentist or dental specialist prior to the procedure.

Selection of technical variables of dental radiographic units by the dental assistant in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and patient requirements may include but is not limited to exposure times.

Appropriate techniques may include:
Bisecting (intraoral)
Paralleling (intraoral)
Extra oral

Appropriate technique selected and used by the dental assistant may include:
Exposure time
Horizontal and vertical angulation
Film selection and placement
Correct assembly of film locating device
Positioning of patient
Use of intensifying screens

Patient requirements may include consideration of:
Age
Size
Weight
Disability
Pregnancy
Ability to comply with instructions

Radiation safety for the patient includes but is not limited to:
Use of lead aprons
Appropriate technique
Film selection
Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including kilovoltage, filtration, x ray beam collimation
Use of film locating devices
Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes
Legislative requirements and codes of practice

Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:
Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation
Determination of pregnancy
Distance from primary beam
Use of lead lined barriers
Maintenance of radiographic equipment
Legislative requirements

Visual quality of dental radiographs may include but is not limited to:
Contrast- subject and film
Density
Detail

Geometric characteristics of dental radiographs may include but are not limited to:
Blurred image due to motion of patient
Distortion due to incorrect technique

Range of processing errors and corrective measures may include those required for:
Stained films
Fogged films
Dark films
Light films
Artefacts

Critical aspects of evidence must include:
Correct application of the safe use of radiation in dentistry
Compliance with infection control guidelines and procedures, OHS and legislative requirements as related to the dental assistant's role
Determination of image characteristics to minimise re-takes

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Pre-requisite competencies are:
HLTDA1A Maintain Infection control in dental practice
HLTDA2A Follow the occupational health and safety policies in dental practice
HLTDA3A Prepare for and assist during oral health care procedures
HLTDA4A Assist in dental radiography
HLTDA5A Maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials, and medicaments for oral health care procedures.
HLTDA6A Assist in administration in dental practice
This unit of competency should be delivered and assessed in conjunction with:
HLTD11A Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
HLTDA12A Produce a dental radiographic image

Essential knowledge required includes:
Legal and ethical responsibilities for the safe use of radiation in dentistry
Properties of x rays
Short and long term effects of radiation
Units of radiation measurement
Radiographic appearance of anatomic landmarks, normal dentition and associated bony structures
Reasons for processing and technique inaccuracies and methods to minimise errors

Essential skills required include:
Correctly applied dental terminology
Correct use of accessories in dental radiographic techniques
Ability to minimise technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images
Ability to minimise errors and maintain quality assurance in processing procedures
Selection of appropriate film variables including:
Film speed
Film size
Intensifying screens
Selection and use of correct techniques including:
Bisecting angle (intraoral)
Paralleling (intraoral)
Extraoral

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace or simulation of realistic workplace setting where assessment can be conducted
Access to dental radiographic imaging units and resources normally used in the workplace.
Relevant dental practice/organisational policy and procedures manuals such as:
Incident reporting procedures
Infection control guidelines (NHMRC) and relevant Australian Standards
OHS policy and procedures
Relevant State and Territory legislation
Manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Radiographic viewing equipment

Methods of assessment may include but are not limited to:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of work conditions. However, assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for patient confidentiality and organisational policies.
Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and to establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.